An 80-year-old man undergoes an evaluation for dementia and depression. His caregiver describes a history of gradually worsening depressed mood and confusion, with poor appetite, weight loss, poor self-care, and irritability. On his cognitive examination, he is alert and oriented with persons and place but not time.
His concentration is impaired, and he displays poor short-term memory despite the adequate recall. His effort is poor overall, and he often responds to questions stating, “I don’t know.”
